Hey y'all, I'm Danielle - the crazy behind this blog, where I share my creative life adventures as I survive life as a momma of 4 superheroes & wife to my best friend & fellow nerd. Life doesn't have to be perfect to be GREAT! You can reach me at danielle (at) busymomshelper.com - ABOUT -

Happy Monday, y’all! This past weekend was wonderfully productive, with my Hubby giving me pretty much the entire time to play catch-up. Woot Woot! Now that I’ve bragged on him for a minute, let’s take a look at today’s fabulous Blogger Spotlight: Something Swanky!

I first met Ashton (or at least her blog Something Swanky) when she was in charge of the Online BlogCon, and instantly it was on my list of regular visits. She’s such a talented recipe developer, and just look at those photos…yum! Ashton sent me a bit about herself:

Ashton is the owner and author of Something Swanky. Although first and foremost a wife and mother, she considers herself an online entrepreneur, freelance writer and photographer, and brand ambassador. Her focus is in food styling, food photography and recipe development.

Ashton publishes 3-4 unique dessert recipes each week, ranging from fanciful and creative to comfort food classics. She posts one “collection” post each week which includes links and thumbnail images to 50-100 themed recipes from other bloggers and around the web.

She’s such a cute gal, and I love the personality she shows in her posts. She’s one of the ladies on my list of ‘bloggers I hope to meet in real life’!

Happy Labor Day, y’all! I hope you enjoy this fun, restful day off as much as we’re hoping to. Still plenty to get done, but there should be time for the pool and other play. Woot Woot! Let’s celebrate with our Blog Spotlight: Yummy Healthy Easy!

I’ve been following Jen’s blog Yummy Healthy Easy for a long time, and I love all the tasty recipes she shares! From healthy treats to filling dinners, even refreshing drinks….she’s certainly got a talent in the kitchen! Another thing I love about her blog? Her photographs are awesome! Seriously….take a look and see if you can avoid drooling over any of these delish pics!

I asked Jen to tell us a bit about herself, and here’s what she had to say: “I grew up in Mesa, Arizona but moved out to California about 8 years ago when my husband started law school. We live in Redondo Beach, California and I have four (busy) boys ages 12, 10, 4 and 3. My older ones play football and baseball so I’m usually carting them around to games/practices. My two little guys are a short 11 months apart in age, which is just crazy. They’re best buddies though, which is really cool! I love cooking and baking and I usually have a few helpers in the kitchen with me when I do! 🙂 “

Jen’s Most Popular Posts on Yummy Healthy Easy

Now is when I pick some of my favorite posts from Yummy Healthy Easy…and it was really hard since there’s so much delicious goodness! Here’s some that I’ve either really tried myself and LOVED, or a couple that are on my list to try really soon 🙂

Although I haven’t met Jen in person, talking to her over email you can tell she’s just a super-sweet, great lady who I hope I can meet at a conference sometime in the future! For now, I’ll continue stalking Yummy Healthy Easy and enjoying every tasty bite of her fabulous recipes!

Holy cow, this weekend just flew by, and now it’s the first day of school for my now-3rd-grader Wonder Woman! As much as I’ve loved having her around the house more this summer, since she’s uber helpful, I’m glad she can get back to her friends, learning and having something to do! So let’s kick off this week with our Monday series, this week we’re going to Spotlight: Crazy Little Projects!

I ran across Amber’s blog Crazy Little Projects late last year, and instantly bookmarked it for regular visits. She has so many amazing crafts and tutorials, you never know what fun thing she’ll be sharing next! Plus, I love how simply her tutorials seem…she just has a way of explaining the process so well that even someone as challenged as me (especially with sewing) can catch on easily! As per Blog Spotlight fashion, I asked Amber to tell us a bit about herself:

“I am a mom to 4 little boys ranging in age from 3 to 11. I’m a busy body who doesn’t like to sit still so I fill my time with baking, sewing, crafting and other crazy little projects. I also love being around people and love playing games and eating chocolate. I started blogging about 2 and a half years ago as a creative outlet and have never had so much fun in all of my life! I grew up in Colorado but went to college in Utah, where I met my husband. Since then we have lived in Wisconsin, California and now back in Utah where he teaches chemistry at the University.”

So head on over and visit Amber at Crazy Little Projects to check out even more of her amazing posts. Sewing tutorials, crafts, tasty food and awesome parties….what more could you want? Thanks so much for letting me spotlight you, Amber!

Happy Monday, y’all! I’m so excited, because we’re starting a new series to brighten up our Monday’s around here: our Blogger Spotlight! Now, you’re probably like ‘uh….huh?’ Let me explain….starting today, every Monday I will spotlight another fabulous blogger. I’ll share a bit about them, what their blog is about, and some favorite posts of theirs (and mine!). What better way to start than with my amazing friend Claire?! On to our first Spotlight: A Little Claireification!

I was so glad to meet Claire in person at SNAP! Conference this year, and I can honestly say she’s just as sweet and amazing in real life as she is on her blog! I asked Claire for a bit about her, and here’s what she had to say:

“Hi it’s me Claire from A Little CLAIREification! I am a working Mama to three boys, a self proclaimed cheese addict and a lover of all things crafty and delicious. A Little CLAIREification is a lifestyle blog committed to bringing readers “Bright Ideas On A Budget” – from recipes, crafts and DIY projects to time management tips, meal planning and inspiration. I like BIG ideas and I like to throw a little fun and laughter in the mix as well.I started blogging in the Fall of 2012 and it’s been such an adventure! In addition to connecting with my amazing readers, one of my all time favorite things about being a blogger is the awesome community of supportive bloggers I have gotten to know, many whom I have no met in person. It has been a fantastic journey so far and I can’t wait to see what the next year holds!”

Running a blog is hard. That’s just the truth of it. For those that think it’s all easy-breezy and ‘she must have so much free time’, sorry to burst your bubble! I’ve yet to meet a blogger that says it’s easy. There’s just SO MUCH to manage, and it’s super easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated. One way I keep myself sane (and loving blogging) is my wonderful blogging command center. This is How I Organize My Blog Planning!

Although I have other methods for organizing other blog-related tasks, such as my social media and sharing, this huge dry erase board is a big part of my blog planning. This board came from Hubby’s work…they were just going to throw it out, so he saved it for me. LOVE YOU, BABE! If you saw my Craft Room Reveal post, you saw how it looked BEFORE adding the trim on the edges. A bit ugly…but it worked well.

Add the painted trim, and the eye sore was now a nice, clean….emptiness begging to be filled. I decided to make it my blogging command center, and it was the PERFECT place to organize my blog planning!

First thing, I planned my layout and such on my laptop, then cut out my vinyl using my trusted Silhouette Cameo!

I wanted the months BIG…so had to print the actually grid part of the calendar (bottom right) separate from the top swirly edge (middle right). More on that in a minute….

It took awhile, but I VERY CAREFULLY got the vinyl from the sheets and placed as perfectly as possible onto my dry erase board.

Okay, so see how I just carefully placed the top swirl piece just barely overlapping the top row on the grid part? It’s pretty clean and smooth on the green calendar, but notice how it printed slightly off-sized on the top pink one? Ya….that was my bad not fixing the size first. Oops! Still not horrible, though!

Since the text for the MONTH is separate, I can keep the calendar themselves up but switch which months as I work throughout the year. I just write the actual dates in the calendar with a dry erase marker, so that’s easily changed as well!

The cute purple text tags all to the right of the calendars help me with my list-making. I have the following sections to my board:

Goals: so I can know where I want to go, and can focus on what will get me there

See what I have coming up, so I can prepare and plan. Since with blogs it’s wise to post holiday and seasonal themed posts awhile before the ACTUAL time, this helps me see ahead.

So I know what stage each of my upcoming posts is in, I use a different color of dry erase marker depending on what I need to do with that post. Red = haven’t started, need supplies. Yellow = post is done, but I need to take/edit photos. Green = post and photos are completely done, post is scheduled. Blue = post has gone live and I’ve checked links/etc. are working in that post.

How do YOU keep your blog planning organized?

Oh. My. Gosh! I just returned last week from an AMAZING weekend filled with fabulous women, concerts, amazing speakers and blogging. I was so nervous, but now I can’t wait to go again! Want to hear all about it? Well here’s the run-down, and be prepared for LOTS of photos in this SNAP Conference 2014 Recap!

This was my absolute FIRST blogger conference. Ever. I chose it because so many people raved about how friendly everyone was, from the bloggers to the sponsors, and that Tauni (the main woman in charge) was ridiculously amazing. Well…..they were 100% correct! I admit, I was really nervous the past 6 months anticipating this event, partially because I had no idea what to expect, but also because I’m actually pretty shy around people. Don’t get me wrong, I’m blunt and will open up about anything really….but as far as MEETING new people by just going up and saying ‘hi’, that was new to me.

Turns out, there were so many others just like me there! You wouldn’t know it, though, because EVERYONE was so friendly and just struck up a conversation like you were old friends. I loved it! So if you’re worried about ‘fitting in’ – don’t! It’s just a bunch of great women who act like life-long friends, whether you’re a small blogger or huge.

Roommates can make or break your conference experience, and luckily I had some AMAZING, fun and just all-around-fabulous roomies!

Elise is one of those people you just love instantly. FUN doesn’t even begin to cover this party girl! Yet she’s the nicest, sweetest gal! You wouldn’t believe her talent at doodles…really, a bunch of us were in line to have her write names on our bags the first morning! Go check her out at Elise’s Pieces!

If you’ve never ‘met’ Carissa over at Creative Green Living, you’re missing out! She’s such a sweetheart…and she was about 30 weeks pregnant at conference, yet didn’t once complain! What a trooper! She was such a cutie pregnant lady, too! We had some really fun talks and laughs, and she didn’t hesitate to answer a bunch of my less-experienced-blogger questions. Go check her out now for fun crafts and recipes, health information and so much more. Oh, and the adorable bag I toted around at the conference? She made it – see the tutorial here!

Becki’s like wonder-woman. She has so much going on in her life right now taking up her time, yet she has the most upbeat, fun attitude ever! She signed up to room with us just briefly before the conference, so I didn’t have much time to get to know her before, but loved hanging with her at the conference! You wouldn’t believe the adorable scrapbook and crafty paper stuff she does….go see her talent over on her blog!

The sponsors were DA BOMB at SNAP! and I couldn’t believe how much SWAG we all came home with! Seriously, they had told me I should bring an extra bag for all the free stuff….but I ended up checking TWO bags on the flight home because there was so much! The sponsors seriously treat you like royalty, I swear! From the fun booths (did you see the Cricut photo booth above?), to the crafty goodness, to the wonderful sponsored food…you seriously feel loved here!

This is just SOME of the free goodies that made it home with me!

Home Depot even had cute little surprise packages waiting on each of our hotel beds the first night! Maybe a little creeper-stalker….but hey, it’s cool free stuff!

More fun photo booth craziness!

We also got to try some wonderful products, from super-cool RYOBI tools (staple guns….oh yes!), to this really neat Doh Vinci craft tool that will bring play dough to a whole new level for kids coming this fall! My kids LOVE it, and we’ve already gone through the free supplies of it I received!

The classes were all even better than I’d hoped for. Not only were the speakers HILARIOUS, they really gave me quality information that I plan to use in bringing this little ol’ blog to the next level. They even gave us time AFTER classes for questions. Seriously, everyone here is happy to help!

Okay, so I was pretty star-struck when I got meet Tara & Wendy, two of The Dating Divas after their class on Fueling Your Blog’s Fire withOUT Getting Burnt Out!

I learned a lot about finding my own voice during the Increase Your Pageviews with Storytelling class! If you ever get a chance to meet Vivienne, ask about her chicken story 🙂

Bruce from Minwax answered ALL the questions we had regarding wood staining!

At the beginning I mentioned concerts, right? Well, the very first night there we had Alex Boye rocking out with us! You probably have seen his famous music video to FROZEN, with the ultra-talented young girl. Or perhaps his newer Happy?

There were also some MAJOR parties after dinner, such as the 80’s themed pajama party sponsored by Cricut!

I got wonderful ideas from FloraCraft at their booth….thinking some of their rolled sparkly ribbon would be perfect to add to our FROZEN bedroom!

I was stoked to meet the wonderful gals Katie & Amisha from Royal Design Studios! I used their stencil on the FROZEN bedroom, also, so couldn’t wait to show them and discuss other ideas. They have some awesome products coming soon….stay tuned for a possible review!!!

Another super fun thing that goes on ALL OVER during the conference, was the fun giveaways. Whether it was a stamp-card after meeting all the sponsors, or individual giveaways at each of the booths, or the business card contest….there was free giveaways EVERYWHERE! Elise actually won a HUGE gift basket OVERFLOWING with fun stuff from Darice. Seriously, hundreds of dollars of product! And because Elise is super awesome, she gave some of the crafty goodness to us! Yup, love her (and can’t wait to chill again this summer for a bit!)

Here’s my pic from the famous ‘restroom selfie’ from Pollinate Media:

I finally got to meet some of the wonderful bloggers I’ve been stalking following for awhile: Steph from Crafting in the Rain, Claire from A Little CLAIREification, and Sarah from Bombshell Bling (we learned I grew up with her cousin…small world!). These ladies are just as fabulous in person as they are on their blogs….perhaps even more so!!! HUGS to all, plus my fabulous roomies Elise, Carissa and Becki!

If you’re wondering about the ADORABLE outfits I sported at the conference….the black dress/red jacket, black-polka-dot top with yellow hoodie and pom pom scarf, and the green lace tunic….they were all from one of my favorite places: Adornit Boutique! Seriously ADORABLE stuff!

Overall, this was one of the BEST things I’ve done for my blog, and I can’t WAIT until tickets go on sale for next year’s SNAP! Conference! I’ll grab one the minute I can. Thanks so much to Tauni and her team for making it one of the most amazing weekends I’ve had in a LONG time!!!

Also, a big THANK YOU to my parents for picking me up from the airport for a quick visit, and bringing a 12-pack of Dr. Pepper to get me through the weekend!!!

Please forgive some of the photos being terrible lighting and fuzzy….my phone camera SUCKS!!!

Guys, I’m so stinkin’ excited I could die! Next weekend I’ll be attending my first blogger conference EVER: SNAP! I booked my ticket the minute I could, so this has been 6 months of anticipation building up all down to less than a week. There’s so much I need/want to do to prepare, but right now I think the most important thing on my list is to PACK! I’ve been pretty nervous as to what would be best, and after begging asking some friends who’ve attended in the past, I’ve got a good idea of What to Pack for SNAP! Or other blogger conferences, for that matter!

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So the big question I’ve seen many (including myself, I’ll be honest) asking about it ‘what do I wear’?! First of all, I was told to NOT STRESS about it too much. Many of us have this image of absolutely perfectly dressed women who don’t have a single strand of hair out of place. We need to realize that behind the gorgeous blog profile pics is a still-gorgeous-but-actually-real person. I know I DEFINITELY don’t look as amazing as my profile pic would suggest, so why should I think others are going to be absolutely perfect?

The low-down on what to wear: Comfortable, cute and YOU! Don’t try to be someone you’re not…everyone wants to meet the REAL you, the actual PERSON behind the blog. And with all the walking, sitting, chatting, partying…you’ll definitely want to feel comfortable! Here’s my wardrobe of choice for next week’s SNAP! Conference:

For the 3-days of actual conference, I’m wearing the ADORABLE yellow jacket/black shirt/white pom-pom scarf ensemble with jeans, the Springy lacy green tunic with leggings, and the casual-yet-dressy black lace dress with red jacket. All of these are from one of my favorite places: disclosure! They have SO MANY cute and trendy clothes, bags, jewelry and much more. Plus, it’s owned and operated by some of the most wonderful and lovely ladies I know, who are so dang talented yet as friendly as can be!

The blue scoop-neck and red loose-fitting top are more casual and comfy for my flight/travel days, but still cute enough to be meeting with all those wonderful woman bloggers. Oh, and as far as my choice of shoes goes:

Some other important items:

Roomie Gifts, should you choose to do those. I am…but I’ll have to post pics in my after-conference review so I don’t spoil the suprise!

SNAP! is doing Secret Sisters this year (if you choose to participate, it is optional). If you sign up, don’t forget the gifts!

DO NOT forget some business cards! These can be as simple or as cutesy as you want, but they’re so crucial for exchanging info with all the fun new friends you’ll meet! For mine, I did about 40 ‘fun’ ones with a cute (and tasty) attachment, then have my regular cards. Another tip I received from ‘experienced’ conference-goers: bring a hole-punch and a binder ring clip. As you get cards, punch a hole and slide them onto the ring. GREAT way to keep track of all the cards you’ll nab! Media Kits may be a good idea, also.

PHONE and CHARGER!!! Probably some of the MOST important things to remember!

Extra batteries and battery charger (if reusable). Also, a power strip! With 4 or so ladies sharing a hotel room, there’s going to be so many used up plugs, it may be wise to have a power strip to give a little more access.

Munchies and drinks for travel and in the hotel room. I have a feeling my totally awesome roomies and I will be chowing down on chocolate, ice cream, and yogurt!!! Plus, I’ve GOT to have my Dr Pepper! Gum or tic-tacs may be wise to help with breath as you’re talking to everyone. A water bottle would be a wise item since you’ll be talking. A LOT!

Other normal essentials: underwear, pajamas (I’m sure your roommates will be VERY grateful if don’t sleep in the nude while at the conference!), socks, lotion, medicines, etc.

If you want to bring your DSLR, feel free. I’ve been told by MANY people that they end up not using it at all, so I’m not even going to try and bring it on my flight.

Books or other entertainment for the travelling. I’ve got some e-books I’m dying to read, and now I’ll get some time!

For a FREE printable packing list, the best (and most adorable) one I’ve found is over at Two Twenty One, so head on over and print yours!

Wish me luck for next week…EEEEEK I’m so excited!!!!

If you know of something I should include in this list, please let me know in the comments! I’m hoping I don’t get to the conference next week and have to slap myself in the forehead for missing something important!

Okay, so you all see the mostly-beautiful FINAL products of my blogging. The yummy-looking meals, the neatly arranged crafts….after all the struggle and editing are complete. Today, for The Real Blogger Project, you get a behind the scenes look at The Mess Behind the Beauty!

So the photos of me that I mainly use for my blog are AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL! Want to know what I really look like 99% of the time while I’m blogging?

The photos of the food that’s perfectly lit, and composed oh so beautifully? This is how the actual display I often use works:

I love the vinyl backdrops, placed on my desk after I move the pile that was previously there onto my bed. My reflective white is propped into position by the desk chair (the chair also covered in a pile of papers). Two huge windows open to allow as much light in, but timed so no direct light hits.

When choosing what dishes to use, they’re often scattered all over my floor so I can really get a visual.

And they’re stored ‘very nicely’ like this, on my dresser:

After each meal is made, there’s a mountain in my sink that may never go away….

Supplies for craft projects left scattered throughout the house…

And furniture I found for free at the last minute randomly placed in the middle of the craft room, for weeks, until I MIGHT get around to fixing it up.

This is all the messy, chaotic clutter that is my life. But you know what? All the crazy piled of dishes, unswept floors and random crafting shtuff overtaking my house….it allows me to do something I love. The best part, though? I get to spend my days blogging with THESE adorable, wonderful little kiddos!

And I wouldn’t trade this for the nicest, cleanest house in the world! Thank YOU, everyone, for allowing me to be a messy, disorganized, amazingly happy blogger and mom to my kiddos!!! Love to you all!

Guys, I need your help!!! I had an UBER fun and beautiful photo shoot done the other day, since I seriously needed to update my photo on this blog. The current one….well, let’s just say I’m not THAT young anymore. The problem? The photos turned out so amazing, I can’t choose which one for my main blog pic! So I’m calling on all of you for help: Help me pick my new pic!

After much browsing through the images (seriously, SOOOO many gorgeous photos), Hubby and I were able to narrow the option down to nine. NINE!!! Here’s the contenders for my main blog pic…..

And if you’re wondering who the talent is behind these amazing photos…..Andrea Hughes, owner and main photographer over at A Studio Productions. LOVE LOVE LOVE her work, plus she’s so dang fun! Seriously, you’ll have such a great time….go check her out!!!

Last, but not least, if you’re wondering about the DARLING yellow jacket + black polka dot top + white pom pom scarf ensemble, it’s from Adornit Boutique. They have SO MANY trendy, chic and just all around beautiful outfits and accessories (and purses….LOVE them), you’ll fall head over heels in love. They even have the sweetest stylist Amber who can get you all set up. Uber fun!